Expanding co-op with community impact

“Share Philanthropic investment of $1 million will introduce students to global challenges, community development and the power of service University of Waterloo students will have more opportunities to experience co-op work terms in the charitable and non-profit sector, thanks to a generous investment by The Steele Family Foundation. The Foundation has committed $1 million to expand the Change Makers in Co-op Program, which enables students from across the University to participate in co-op positions at registered Canadian charities and not-for-profit organizations in Canada and around the world. Extending the pilot program that launched in 2022, the new gift will provide financial support for 20 students to participate in Change Makers each year. The funding will also enhance wrap-around supports to prepare students to work in the charitable and non-profit sector, including a new public summit where program participants will share their experiences and insights from their work terms. Students will have the opportunity to apply their skills to causes that strengthen communities, while building knowledge that will positively shape their lives and careers. “We’re grateful to The Steele Family Foundation for this generous investment to educate the leaders of tomorrow,” said Nenone Donaldson, Vice-President, Advancement and External Relations. “Work terms in the charitable and non-profit sector help to build well-rounded global citizens. We’re committed to providing students with more of these opportunities and ensuring they are equitable and accessible. Expanding the Change Makers in Co-op program will play an important role in the process.” Seventy-seven per cent of Waterloo undergraduate students participate in the co-operative education program, completing up to six work terms before they graduate. The rotation between classroom and workplace is a significant draw for Waterloo students, and an important factor in their career success. For many students, however, co-op roles in the charitable and non-profit sector can feel out of reach due to lower salaries or higher costs, such as international travel. The gift from The Steele Family Foundation will reduce these financial barriers, allowing more Waterloo students to immerse themselves in experiences that challenge their assumptions and deepen their understanding of complex social and economic problems. “Our economic and alumni impact report revealed that 38 per cent of Waterloo alumni sit on non-profit boards, demonstrating their commitment to thriving communities,” said Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor of Waterloo. “With the expansion of Change Makers in Co-op, we will be able to introduce more students to the charitable and non-profit sector before they graduate, allowing them to make an immediate impact and bring that global awareness to their careers.” Michael Steele (BASc ’81), President of The Steele Family Foundation, graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at Waterloo, where he benefitted from enriching experiences as a co-op student and a student-athlete in the Warriors Track and Field program. His family’s foundation — which he leads with his wife, Stacey Steele — has extended those opportunities to other Waterloo students through support for athletic awards and Change Makers in Co-op. Michael (BASc '81) and Stacey Steele from The Steele Family Foundation “Waterloo students are future leaders, builders and entrepreneurs,” Steele said. “Through the expansion of Change Makers, the Foundation aims to expose them to the level of need in communities worldwide and the complexity of the problems facing humanity. When we support their growth as global citizens, we empower them to create change with empathy, understanding and a shared commitment to a better future.” The Foundation encourages other donors — particularly those who care deeply about community impact — to join them in growing a program that aligns student skills with global charitable and non-profit needs. “The four-month work term is one part of a much bigger ecosystem,” said Judene Pretti, Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education. “Together with alumni, donors and employers, our University is building a community where students learn about the nonprofit sector, understand how to apply their skills and passion to meaningful work and reflect and stay engaged long after the work term ends. This investment by the Steele Family Foundation will scale our collective impact. I truly appreciate their visionary commitment.” To learn more about the program and opportunities to get involved, contact Kate Dal Castel, Senior Development Officer, Co-operative and Experiential Education, at kate.dalcastel@uwaterloo.ca . Banner image: A previous work term from the Change Makers in Co-op Program. Campus Co-op and Experiential Education Community Share

Summary generated from the RSS feed of University of Waterloo News. All article rights belong to the original publisher. Click through to read the full piece on uwaterloo.ca/news.